AN $11 million drought-security project at Walcha is complete with the delivery of a 300-megalitre off-stream storage dam, pump station and pipelines that will boost water supply and quadruple the town’s water reserves.

The project was funded by $2 million from the Federal Government through its National Water Grid Fund, and a further $9 million from the NSW Government.

Increasing water storage will enable the community to be in a stronger position to weather a drier climate and will provide a safer and more secure pipeline of water.

At the peak of the last drought in 2019, Walcha’s 3000 residents were put on lengthy and severe water restrictions when supplies hit rock bottom.

The new water infrastructure, which was delivered on time and on budget, will help bolster the town’s drought resilience and long-term water security.

Separately to this project, the NSW Government joined forces with the Walcha Council to jointly fund a $1.8 million sewerage network upgrade which was completed in February.

It included the construction of a new 20 megalitre storage pond, as well as site improvements and upgrades to other existing infrastructure.

Walcha’s new 300-megalitre off-stream storage dam.

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Water. Rose Jackson said completion of the water security infrastructure project provides four times the water storage Walcha currently has, and gives the town more water to lean on during the next dry period.

“It is great to see the new 300 megalitre off-creek storage dam which is now filled and ready to offset any impacts on water supply, as required in times of drought,” she said.

“Water security is always front and centre for regional towns like Walcha, which is why the NSW Government is committed to continuing to deliver infrastructure that will lock-in safer and more secure water in the face of a drying climate.

“The completion of the sewerage network upgrade is an added bonus and will play a major part in supporting the growth of Walcha while providing greater protections for the environment.”

Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes thanked the Australian and NSW Governments.

“We copped the brunt of the last drought with the town being subject to tough water restrictions over many months, so that was a real wake-up call for us, which is why this infrastructure is so critical in enabling us to be better prepared for this next one,” Mr Noakes said.

“Upgrading our sewerage scheme has also been a huge bonus because wastewater services are fundamental in improving the liveability of the town and ensuring we are in a better position to deal with any increase in demand on the network over the coming decades.”